Quote Originally Posted by Shurrikhan View Post
And heck, "gimmicks-based" has often enough been an insult in itself, in using the term "gimmick" as a negatively-seen form of a mechanic, such as one which disallows manipulation, control, or mastery, or has negative synergy or cohesion with the surrounding fight. Though new mechanics are generally what can make a fight outstanding in its day, there a many, many ways mechanics can go wrong (or turn into "gimmicks" as per the derogatory term).
I didn't use the term gimmicky in a negative-connotation, but I agree that it could be construed as such quite easily. To me, a gimmick is merely non-standard gameplay. I.e. A2S Gobwalker, Byakko Falling Scene, Shinryu/Susanno ATE button spam, etc.

Out of these 3 examples, IMO only the last one is actually a BAD gimmick. I HATED A2S especially since I was a DRG and forced to do it, but it was a half decent idea. The Shin/Susano one really does nothing to enhance, improve, or change the gameplay. It wasn't fun holding down or mashing a button for 20s. There was no active thought process involved.

This is what I'd love to hear more from the community about in general. At what point in abstraction is something new actually "new". I set pretty high standards, myself, but I've never been able to hear more than vague implications or counterexamples from most XIV players, and it therefore becomes hard for me to really broach any ideas of my own.
You know I'm good for it. More often than not though peoples critical thinking begins at "check this commission out!" and ends at "go play WoW". *Gasp* such brilliance...